A year-long journey of awareness, education, and community engagement in Albania.
Durres, one of Albania’s most ancient and historically rich cities, is undergoing a remarkable cultural revival thanks to a year-long collaboration between Durresi Aktiv and MuZEH Lab, supported by the EU4Culture initiative. This comprehensive project is dedicated to raising awareness, fostering education, and promoting sustainable cultural tourism at some of the city’s most emblematic heritage sites, including the Venetian Tower and the historic Hamam. The initiative seeks to deepen both local and visitor engagement with Durres’ rich history, ensuring that its cultural treasures are not only preserved but also celebrated and passed on to future generations.
A key part of the project has been the organisation of vibrant cultural events held at key heritage sites. One standout occasion was the Cultural Night at Hammam of Durrës, an Ottoman era bathhouse transformed into a lively cultural venue. This event combined classical music performances, visual projections of historical artifacts, and artisan exhibitions, to create a multisensory experience that illuminated the history and significance of the site. Such events serve as dynamic platforms for heritage interpretation by engaging audiences emotionally and intellectually, helping them to see historical places not just as relics of the past but as living spaces filled with stories and creative energy. By showcasing local artists and cultural practitioners, these events also foster community involvement and contribute to the sustainable use of heritage spaces.
The project also emphasises professional development and capacity building through specialised training sessions held at MuZEH Lab. These workshops equip museum professionals, educators, and cultural workers with advanced skills in heritage interpretation and storytelling, enabling them to communicate Durres’ history in ways that resonate with diverse audiences. Special attention is given to promoting social inclusion by actively involving women, youth, minorities, and disadvantaged people in both training and cultural activities. This inclusive approach not only enriches the cultural dialogue but also ensures that the benefits of heritage preservation are shared widely across the community.
Importantly, this project builds on the success of the previous EU4Culture funded Old Doors Trail initiative (https://theolddoorstrail.com/), aiming to extend and deepen socio-economic opportunities by linking cultural heritage with sustainable tourism and local employment. By fostering collaboration between civil society organisations, cultural operators, and public institutions, the project creates synergies that strengthen the cultural sector and promote environmentally responsible tourism. The use of eco-friendly materials and sustainable artistic production throughout the project reflects a strong commitment to minimising environmental impact, demonstrating that heritage conservation and sustainability can go hand-in-hand.
The immediate impact of these combined efforts is evident in the heightened awareness and appreciation of Durres’ cultural heritage among both locals and tourists. Through engaging performances and educational workshops, participants gain a deeper understanding of the historical significance of sites like the Venetian Tower and the Hamam, while also developing skills related to heritage preservation and sustainable tourism. Over the longer term, the project aspires to foster sustained socio-economic growth by leveraging cultural heritage as a driver for tourism, employment, and community empowerment. The creation of lasting partnerships among cultural practitioners, public institutions, and local communities is a key part of this vision, ensuring that Durres’ heritage is protected and promoted for generations to come.
This approach, combining education, cultural programming, professional training, and community engagement, offers a valuable model for heritage interpreters and cultural professionals. It highlights the power of collaborative efforts to make history accessible, relevant, and inspiring, demonstrating that cultural heritage is not just about preserving the past but about enriching the present and shaping the future.
Following the rich cultural activities and professional development efforts, the project has also created an innovative educational tool aimed at younger generations: the Discover Durrës board game. This interactive game is designed for children aged 7 to 12, inviting them to explore Durres’ heritage in a playful yet meaningful way. Players take on roles such as Traveler, Archaeologist, Artist, or Artisan, each linked to various landmarks, artists, and craftsmen important in the city’s history. Moving through a large game board representing Durres, children encounter illustrated cards that tell fascinating stories about each site or figure, combining visual engagement with storytelling to help children absorb historical knowledge naturally and enjoyably. This playful learning approach helps build a strong connection between young learners and their city’s past, encouraging pride and awareness while fostering creativity and critical thinking.
Inesa Sulaj is a cultural heritage expert and museologist. She is IE’s office manager and can be contacted at: inesa.sulaj@interpret-europe.net
To cite this article: Sulaj, Inesa (2025) ‘Revitalizing Durres’ heritage‘ in Interpret Europe Newsletter 2-2025, pg.20-21
Available online: Newsletter summer 2025
